All were doing well Friday morning at Northeast Regional Medical Center and planned to head home later today.

Luke's original due date was today, and he managed to hold out through all the holiday happenings. On Wednesday evening, with all the bags packed and child care arrangements in place, Ruth said she had just finished taking all the ornaments off the Christmas tree and putting her youngest two children in the bath tub when she went into labor.

"He said, 'Yup, mom, you've got it all ready now. Time for me to be born,'" Ruth joked.

Still, the Pingels had no idea they were about to be the year's first baby, believing Wednesday would be well past that recognition. For the honor, Northeast Regional Medical Center provided an assortment of gifts including a car seat, baby clothes and diapers.

It was the Pingel's second boy ("We brought balance to the home," said Jeremy) and all the children came to visit their new brother on Thursday.

"They loved him," Jeremy said.

"The girls wanted to hold him, little mommas. We were wondering about our son, maybe a little jealousy, but he just wanted to kiss him. It was great," Ruth said.

Both parents were thrilled with the service received at NRMC.

"This is our fourth baby and I love being up here on this floor where the nurses are amazing," Ruth said. "Chris, who answered the phone when I called in, she has been our nurse at some point with every one of our kids. She remembered me on the phone, just recognizing my name. I love that."